Don’t Miss the Moment

There is a moment every leader should acknowledge: when someone steps up, volunteers to take more responsibility, shows up early, or stays up at night. That moment matters not because everything is going smoothly, but because taking action in that moment matters.

That moment matters when a project is falling behind, and no one wants to take ownership, yet someone steps in and says, “I’ll take this on and get it moving.” The project moves forward, and the deadline is met with clear results.

The same kind of moment shows up in a classroom when a student is heading toward disenrollment and a teacher steps in and says, “I will mentor.” The teacher shows up early, guides consistently, and the student graduates.

In that moment, people contribute differently; they take ownership without being asked.

Unfortunately, many leaders miss that moment. They see it as “it’s their job,” “that’s what they were hired for,” or “are they expecting to be thanked each time they do their job?” When that happens, the moment is lost, and the contribution is diminished.

So as a leader, you decide to celebrate the moment, but then you remember those you like—the ones who leave early because they can, never complete a task because others will do it for them, or say they didn’t hear it from you as an excuse. They don’t care because, in your eyes, they are it, and that’s what matters. You can’t celebrate others without them, so you include them. They are thanked and presented with an award, too. It’s only fair to include those you like.

The moment is spoiled; it’s not about celebrating stepping up, it’s about pleasing.

That moment is also risky. As a leader, you start to question the situation: Why can they do it and you can’t? You say it’s their job, but still, something inside you feels anxious about the comparison—the one you started; they were just helping. Why can they use technology and you can’t? Why did they raise the funds when you couldn’t? Why did they find a solution when you didn’t?

So, you task them more and more, hoping they will break, so they will never shine, and you won’t have to celebrate that moment again. But they keep pushing, not because they want to challenge you, but because they care and believe they are helping. Eventually, they understand the message, and they move on—not because they stopped caring, but because you made it clear: it’s either them or you. They find other organizations that value their drive and dedication. And you are left with your favorites, until the moment comes when no one steps forward to complete the task, save the project, or work with the grantor.

Call to Action

Don’t miss the moment.

When someone steps up, acknowledge it—clearly and specifically. Do not dilute it, do not balance it, and do not redirect it to keep others comfortable.

This week, when someone takes ownership without being asked, pause and recognize it for what it is.

That moment is not routine.

It is leadership.